Part Time Jobs for Retirees Offers Side Income and More
When I was growing up, I used to think retirees had it made. Not only did they not have to go to work, but they had a pile of cash in the bank as well! Or so I thought. Actually, many seniors live on very tight budgets and often can’t participate in various activities simply because they don’t have the dough. Other retirees have enough income, but may want additional stimulation or activity. There’s something to be said for keeping active during retirement.
A Secret to Longevity – Keeping Active in Retirement
Research on the Blue Zones consistently describes keeping active during retirement as a common factor of the spots with the oldest living residents. So, working in retirement may have benefits above and beyond putting extra cash in the coffers. Working in part time jobs for retirees gives a senior the feeling of ‘making a difference’ and contributing to society.
A high level business owner, Marciel recently sold his business, bought a beautiful condo, and retired. An unintended consequence of his live change is that Marciel sunk into a deep depression. He’s tried golf, playing cards, and other activities, but he continues to feel insignificant. He misses his work colleagues and the challenges of work.
So even if you don’t need the money, part time jobs in retirement can improve the retirees quality of life and keep her engaged with the community.
Keep the Social Security Coming
Are you worried that working in retirement may cause your Social Security benefits to be taxed? Depending upon your age, you may be able to avoid paying taxes on your Social Security income, even though you’re working in retirement.
According to the Social Security Administration, “if you were born January 2, 1943, through January 1, 1955, then your full retirement age for retirement insurance benefits is 66. If you work and are full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn. If you are younger than full retirement age, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full Social Security benefits. If you are younger than full retirement age during all of 2013, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earned above $15,120. If you reach full retirement age during 2013, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $3 you earn above $40,080 until the month you reach full retirement age.”
It’s preferable to wait to take social security benefits until you reach full retirement age (or older) in order to garner the largest benefits.
7 Part Time Jobs for Retirees
Although the “multiple streams of income ” concept is popular today it’s an idea that’s been around forever. My 80 year old aunt maintains the personalized craft side business she’s had for decades. Her customized gifts are still good sellers and she has a paid creative outlet. My uncle sold his heating and air conditioning business and remained employed part-time by the new owners for years. My mom sold real estate for years after retirement and raked in thousands of dollars in real estate commissions while enjoying a life filled with travel, friends, and family. Finding creative ways to earn into retirement is a mindset.
Even if you have health issues which hinder the type of work you can perform, most anyone can find a strategy to put a few extra bucks in the pocket during retirement. There are a variety of legitimate ‘work at home’ jobs for retirees as well.
Start out with a quick self-inventory.
What do you enjoy?
What type of environment do you like to be in? Personally, I’m handy and have thought about working part-time at Home Depot or Lowes in retirement. I love being around all the hardware and DIY stuff.
1. Work in a shop.
The wanna be decorator might enjoy working in a home furnishings shop or department in a larger department store. The car enthusiast could work in an auto parts store. Especially around the holidays, retail is a great place to garner a part time job.
2. Work for yourself in retirement.
I just handed over $160 to a retired handyman to do some chores around the house. I’m still shocked by the guy with a pick up who charged an unbelievable sum to haul the moving boxes from our home a few years back. I paid $10 per window to a guy I found on Craigslist with a squeegee and a bucket who cleaned our windows.
Think about your former job, is it something you could continue as a consultant or as a part-time gig?Consider selling your skills on Fiverr or other online marketplaces. Look for side businesses that harness your talents and that others will pay for.
3. Sell Your Sewing Talents
Many kids today have no idea how to sew. If a pair of jeans has a small tear or a hole, most younger adults don’t really know what to do with it, so they regretfully throw the jeans away. But, rather than having those perfectly good clothes hit the trash can, you could offer your services to repair their favorite articles of clothing. It might take you only 5 minutes to repair, but with clothes costs on the rise, many individuals would be happy to pay $10 for the repair and not think twice about it. If I did my math right, that means you could be earning $120 an hour!
4. Build Shelving Units
There are quite a few homes being built in need of storage space (especially in those unfinished basements). If you’re handy with power tools, you could easily put together some shelving units for people to get their possessions off of the floor. Just charge them for the material and your time, and you’ll leave their house feeling useful and a few bucks richer.
An easier job for retirees is offering to assemble furniture. When we leave the local Ikea, we find flyers on our windshield with smart entrepreneurs offering furniture assembly services. With two earner families, there’s a growing need to outsource. We hired someone to put together a loft bed for Jr. Carina from Craigslist. It was a complicated job and one were were happy to pay for.
3. Paint
If you’re retired, you’ve probably done some painting in your day. If you can handle the roller and the paintbrush, perhaps it’s time to start charging for your services. You can take your time, have some peace and quiet while you work, and earn some money at the same time! Many people would be happy to pay you $20 an hour for your time, especially if it means they don’t have to lift a finger! And if you you have some creativity, faux finishes are easy to create and in high demand as well. Brush up on these popular techniques and increase your hourly rate as well.
4. Write an eBook
You’ve experienced a lot in your life and you most likely have a lot of wisdom to share. Why not take a chance and create an eBook? It won’t cost you anything to write (as long as you already have a computer), and you could publish it through Amazon, use the Kindle Direct Platform and they will walk you through the entire process. Do a bit of online marketing to promote and you’ll have extra cash to take your spouse out for a romantic dinner every so often! Working in retirement is more of a necessity today than ever before as we live longer. Social security is under attack and traditional pensions are vanishing. Consider money making activities in line with your hobbies and interests. Craigslist is a great tool to publicize your new services.
What are other ideas for part time work in retirement?
